KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

Vessel name: Polaris ; Year built: 2012 ; Flag: Netherlands ; Homeport: Rotterdam Length: 81.2m X 13.3m ; GRT: 2501 ; Callsign: PBZN ; MMSI:245142000 ; IMO: 9496915 Type: Special Vessel / Pilot Ship A "Pilot Ship / Pilot Vessel" is a "special type" of ship in which it accommodates a certain and limited Marine Pilots (Sea, River, Harbor Pilots), it also carries small boats/crafts that are used to tender services to and from the Pilot ship. In a Pilot Vessel, the Pilots can take their time...

Pilot Organisation: Sabine Pilots - USA

Official Video by MAERSK:" In the past two years we have made boarding safer for maritime pilots on more than 100 ships."

This video briefly describes the special operation of transfer of marine pilots at sea

IMPA has published examples of best practice together with a letter from Capt. Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA.

‘It certainly hurts – using the integrated lifting sling on a life jacket.’

The Supmar series of Camarc pilot boats building in Brazil. The expanding range now includes models at 12m, 13.5m and 16m with further size options in the pipeline.